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Warily Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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warily

[ˈwɛərɪli ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Adverb

in a cautious manner

Warily means to do something cautiously or carefully, often due to a sense of danger or uncertainty. It is characterized by being attentive to potential risks and taking measured steps to avoid them.

Synonyms

carefully, cautiously, guardedly.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
warily

Used when describing someone who is alert and on the lookout for danger or trouble. This often has a slightly negative connotation of suspicion or fear.

  • She approached the dark alley warily, unsure of what might be lurking in the shadows.
  • The dog watched the stranger warily, ready to bark at any sudden movement.
cautiously

Describes actions taken to avoid potential problems or dangers. This can imply a sense of prudence and thoughtfulness, and is often used in situations involving risk.

  • The hiker proceeded cautiously down the steep trail.
  • He cautiously invested his money in the stock market.
carefully

Used in a broad range of situations to describe someone who is paying close attention to avoid mistakes, errors, or accidents. This has a neutral to positive connotation.

  • He carefully painted the details on the model airplane.
  • She carefully reviewed the contract before signing it.
guardedly

Often used to describe speech or behavior that is reserved and protected against being too open or vulnerable. This word has a connotation of defensiveness or protectiveness.

  • She spoke guardedly about her past, revealing little about her personal history.
  • His guardedly optimistic comments suggested he was prepared for both positive and negative outcomes.

Examples of usage

  • She walked warily through the dark alley, constantly looking over her shoulder.
  • The detective approached the suspect warily, not knowing what to expect.
Context #2 | Adjective

showing caution or suspicion

When describing a person or their actions, warily means to exhibit a sense of caution or suspicion. It implies a sense of distrust or vigilance towards a situation or individual.

Synonyms

distrustfully, guardedly, suspiciously.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
warily

Use 'warily' when someone is careful or cautious, often because they sense potential danger or problems. It implies a general sense of caution.

  • She walked warily through the dark alley, senses heightened for any signs of danger.
  • The cat approached the new toy warily, unsure if it was safe.
suspiciously

Use 'suspiciously' when someone thinks that something is wrong or that someone is behaving in a dishonest or deceitful manner. It often implies a sense of mistrust.

  • The guard watched the man hanging around the gate suspiciously.
  • Her friend looked at her suspiciously when she arrived late without a proper explanation.
guardedly

'Guardedly' is appropriate when someone is cautious in their words or actions to avoid revealing too much or to protect themselves. It's about maintaining defensive behavior.

  • She answered the questions guardedly, not wanting to share too much information.
  • He behaved guardedly at the meeting, afraid that his ideas might be stolen.
distrustfully

'Distrustfully' is used when someone suspects that others might be deceitful or dishonest. There is a specific lack of trust involved.

  • He looked at the stranger distrustfully, unsure of his intentions.
  • She eyed the salesperson distrustfully, feeling that the deal was too good to be true.

Examples of usage

  • The old man eyed the strangers warily, unsure of their intentions.
  • The cat approached the new dog warily, ready to run at the first sign of danger.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Psychology

  • When people act warily, they are often in a state of heightened alertness, which can be a response to past experiences.
  • Cautious behavior can be a sign of anxiety, as individuals may avoid risks to prevent negative outcomes.
  • Being wary can also enhance decision-making, allowing individuals to consider potential consequences more thoroughly.

Literature

  • Many characters in classic literature display wary behavior when facing new challenges, showing human nature's instinct to protect oneself.
  • Authors often describe settings as 'wary' to create suspense, enhancing the reader's anticipation of what might happen next.
  • The theme of wariness appears in stories where characters must decide whether to trust others, emphasizing inner conflict.

Pop Culture

  • In various superhero movies, characters are often wary of new enemies, highlighting the importance of vigilance.
  • Wary characters are frequently portrayed in thrillers, where their caution often leads to pivotal plot twists.
  • Social media influencers often advise followers to approach new trends warily to avoid scams or false information.

Everyday Life

  • In daily decisions, being wary often leads people to read reviews before trying a new restaurant or product.
  • Parents teach children to cross the street warily, emphasizing the need for awareness of traffic.
  • Being wary at work can help employees navigate office politics and maintain healthy professional relationships.

Origin of 'warily'

Main points about word origin

  • The word 'warily' comes from the Old English word 'warian' which means 'to guard or protect'.
  • It combines 'ware', meaning cautious, and the suffix '-ly' which turns it into an adverb.
  • In Middle English, the notion of being careful was closely tied to being aware of one's surroundings.

The word 'warily' originated from the Middle English word 'werily', which means 'cautiously' or 'prudently'. It has roots in Old English and has been used in the English language to convey a sense of carefulness and vigilance since the 13th century.

See also: war, warble, warfare, warhead, warheads, warlike, warlock, warmonger, warmongering, warplane, warrior, warship, wary.

Word Frequency Rank

Positioned at #20,904, this word is part of extensive vocabulary. It's relatively rare in general usage but may be important in specific fields or formal writing.